Split link for chains.



R. S. LAUGHLIN.

SPLIT LINK FOR CHAINS.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 6, H114.

1,1 18,657. Patented Nov. 24, 1914.

wve n 5oz:

Q/vH/vwooao 40 (MM/- ml, jzM/wd Z y W $1521 wow:

UNITED STATES PATENT onrion.

ROBERT S. LAUGHLIN, 0F PORTLAND, MAINE, ASSIGNOR TO THE THOMAS LAUGHLIN 00., OF PORTLAND, MAINE, A CORPORATION OF MAINE.

SPLIT LINK FOR CHAINS.

Application filed May 6, 1914.

T 0 all whom it may concern Be it known that I, ROBERT S. LAUGHLIN, a citizen of the United States, residingat Portland, in the county of Cumberland and v in what is now commonly known as split links for chains, and the same relates to that particular type of link shown and described in the patent to W. J. Laughlin No. 774189, dated November 8, 1904. In the construction of link shown in said patent, provisions are made to take the strain from the rivets and preventing the ends of the tapered portions from spreading or straightening out. This construction has been found to be very useful and highly efficient, but for certain types of link it has been found, in practice, that certain torsional strains occur which have a tendency to loosen the connections of the parts. To overcome this objection is the purpose of the present invention.

In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 represents a plan of one section of the link,

i it being understood that the two sections are identical; Fig. 2 is a side elevation; Fig. 3 is a plan view of the link sections secured together; Fig. 4: is a section on the line 44 of Fig. 3; and Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5 5 of Fig. 3.

It is to be understood that while the preferred form of link is shown in the accompanying drawings, the special arrangement and specific construction there illustrated may be modified and changed within the scope of the appended claim without departing from the spirit of the invention.

A and B represent the two parts of the split link made as above stated alike. These parts represent a solid sectional portion, substantially cylindrical, although other forms may be resorted to if desired. On each side of the center portion are split end portions a, 0 through the extreme ends of which are formed perforations a Adj acent the body or central portion are the out standing pins or rivets b. This structure is Specification of Letters Patent.

secure by Letters Patent is:

Patented Nov. 24., 1914.

Serial No. 836.804.

conveniently formed of malleable iron so that the parts may be formed by drop forging, if desired. Formed on the flat faces of the split portions of the link member on opposite sides of the center of the end portions are upwardly projecting teeth C. These teeth are conveniently rectangular in cross section, tapered on one side and having a substantially straight opposite side. They project a slight distance above the plane of the surface of the split end portion of the link. Immediately adjacent the teeth and on the side of the straight face thereof are the sockets e in shape corresponding substantially with the shape of the teeth. These teeth and depressions are arranged radially of the center of the link so that when the parts are assembled the tooth or projection on one link will fit the recess on the other and thereby form a positive interlock between the parts so positioned as to resist throughout their flat contacting surfaces the torsional strains which would tend to cause the split portions of the link members to become distorted and the riveted connections broken or cracked. By positioning the interlocking parts on opposite sides of the center of the ends of the split members and arranging them substantially in a radial line with the center, a structure is formed which has very great strength and will when assembled, represent a link of a strength equal to that of a solid structure. The projections being located adjacent the ends of the split members also serve to strengthen materially the connection between the members.

While it has been suggested that these links can be made by drop forging, in which particular it has been found most satisfac tory, yet it will be understood that they can be produced by other methods if desired. After the links and parts have been assembled the ends of the rivets or pins are upset as in the ordinary manner.

Having now particularly described my invention, what I desire to claim as new and The hereindescribed split link composed of two link parts each of which has one solid side and split tapered ends, the tapered ends at their thickened portions Where they adsocket for the companion tooth of the other join the solid sides having rivets projecting link part, substantially as described. 10 therefrom, and the opposite portions of said In testimony whereof I hereunto afiix my ends being provided with openings for resignature in the presence of two Witnesses.

celving the rivets of the companion member, ROBERT S. LAUGHLIN. the tapered ends of each link part being also Witnesses:

provided at points at opposite sides of the H. W. PERKINs,

center thereof With a tooth and a receiving FREDERIG J. LAUGHLIN.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. G. 

